Electronic Gadget Disinfection

ABSTRACT

A solution for disinfecting electronic devices is provided. An ultraviolet radiation source is embedded within an ultraviolet absorbent case. While the electronic device is within the ultraviolet absorbent case, ultraviolent radiation is directed at the electronic device. A monitoring and control system monitors a plurality of attributes for the electronic device, which can include: a frequency of usage for the device, a biological activity at a surface of the device, and a disinfection schedule history for the device. Furthermore, the monitoring and control system can detect whether the device is being used. Based on the monitoring, the monitoring and control system controls the ultraviolet radiation directed at the electronic device.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/853,105, filed on 14 Sep. 2015, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,126, filed on 13 Sep. 2014, andwhich is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.14/144,053, filed on 30 Dec. 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/747,640, filed on 31 Dec. 2012; U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/753,997, filed on 18 Jan. 2013; and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/771,016, filed on 28 Feb. 2013, all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to ultraviolet radiation, and moreparticularly, to a solution for disinfecting an electronic gadget usingultraviolet radiation.

BACKGROUND ART

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been utilized to sanitize differentdevices. For example, there is an approach for sanitizing toothbrushesusing UV light. The apparatus relies on a UV lamp of low intensity foremitting UV radiation in the 200 to 300 nanometer wavelength range, aswell as some radiation in the visible range above 300 nanometers and inthe ozone producing range below 200 nanometers.

Other sanitizing devices are also known in the art. For example, oneapproach proposes a mailbox enclosure to sanitize mail articles with UVlight and other means. Another approach proposes a surgical toolsterilizing enclosure that utilizes UV light as well as chemical andother sanitizing agents.

Other approaches include a computer input device sterilization apparatusincluding UV sterilization in an enclosed container to kill bacteria andother disease carrying organisms. The approach includes a horizontal orvertical container dimensioned to fit over computer input devices suchas keyboards, mice, trackballs, touchpads and the like. A UV sourcewithin the container irradiates the computer input device with UV lightwhich generates ozone gas, thereby killing any microorganisms that mightreside on the computer input devices. UV radiation below 200 nm can alsobe used to create ozone gas having germicidal characteristics. The ozonegas is circulated in and around the input device(s) to provide furthersterilization with the UV radiation. A sterilization switch turns the UVsource off when the container is opened. A timer/power circuit providesthe timed application of power to the UV lamps to provide UVillumination consistent with the substantial sterilization of the inputdevice in question.

There are currently also UV devices available to sterilize mobilephones, such as the UV Sterilizer for the iPhone® from Sinco-ElectronicGifts Co. The UV Sterilizer is a desktop unit. A user places his/herphone into the sterilizer for approximately five minutes. The deviceturns a blue light emitting diode (LED) on to indicate the start of thesterilization process. Once the blue LED turns of, the sterilizationprocess is complete. Such devices typically utilize mercury lamps togenerate the ultraviolet light.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the prior art, the inventors have identified variouschallenges and limitations of current approaches for disinfectingelectronic devices. For example, the inventors have noted that currentapproaches do not utilize low voltage UV LEDs for disinfecting devicesand are not portable. Additionally, current sterilization devices cannotbe used as part of the electronic device case without endangering theuser.

Embodiments provide a solution including improved UV LED disinfection ofelectronic devices. For example, an embodiment can utilize UV LEDs, aslow operating voltage semiconductor devices, for safe and radiofrequency (RF) interference free disinfection. In an illustrativeembodiment, the disinfection device can be used as a part of a case forstoring the electronic device without harming the user or the electronicdevice. Furthermore, since the disinfection device is a part of theelectronic device case, the user can use the disinfection device at anytime. Additionally, in an embodiment, the UV light emitted by the UVLEDs is recycled to provide for more efficient disinfection.

Aspects of the invention provide a solution for disinfecting electronicdevices using ultraviolet radiation. An ultraviolet radiation source isembedded within an ultraviolet absorbent case. While the electronicdevice is within the ultraviolet absorbent case, ultraviolent radiationis generated and directed at the electronic device. A monitoring andcontrol system monitors a plurality of attributes for the electronicdevice, which can include: a frequency of usage for the device, abiological activity at a surface of the device, and a disinfectionschedule history for the device. Furthermore, the monitoring and controlsystem can detect whether the device is being used. Based on themonitoring, the monitoring and control system controls the ultravioletradiation directed at the electronic device.

A first aspect of the invention provides a system comprising: anultraviolet absorbent enclosure for containing at least one part of anelectronic device; at least one ultraviolet radiation source embeddedwithin the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure, the at least one ultravioletradiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directedat the part of the electronic device; and a monitoring and controlsystem for managing the ultraviolet radiation directed at the part ofthe electronic device by performing a method comprising: monitoring theelectronic device for at least one of: a frequency of usage of theelectronic device, a presence of biological activity on the electronicdevice and a disinfection schedule history for the electronic device;and controlling, based on the monitoring, the ultraviolet radiationdirected at the part of the electronic device.

A second aspect of the invention provides an apparatus, comprising: anelectronic device; an ultraviolet absorbent enclosure for containing atleast one part of the electronic device; at least one ultravioletradiation source embedded within the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure,the at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generateultraviolet radiation directed at the part of the electronic device; anda monitoring and control system for managing the ultraviolet radiationdirected at the part of the electronic device by performing a methodcomprising: monitoring the electronic device for at least one of: afrequency of usage of the electronic device, a presence of biologicalactivity on the electronic device and a disinfection schedule historyfor the electronic device; and controlling, based on the monitoring, theultraviolet radiation directed at the part of the electronic device.

A third aspect of the invention provides an apparatus, comprising: anelectronic device; an ultraviolet absorbent enclosure for containing atleast one part of the electronic device; at least one ultravioletradiation source embedded within the ultraviolet absorbent case, the atleast one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generateultraviolet radiation directed at the part of the electronic device; aswitch on the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure to turn off theultraviolet radiation when the part of the electronic device is notlocated within the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure; and a monitoring andcontrol system for managing the ultraviolet radiation directed at thepart of the electronic device by performing a method comprising:monitoring the electronic device for at least one of: a frequency ofusage of the electronic device, a presence of biological activity on theelectronic device and a disinfection schedule history for the electronicdevice; and controlling, based on the monitoring, the ultravioletradiation directed at the part of the electronic device.

The illustrative aspects of the invention are designed to solve one ormore of the problems herein described and/or one or more other problemsnot discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the disclosure will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings that depict various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative electronic device within a case accordingto the prior art.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an illustrative ultravioletabsorbent case according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an illustrative ultraviolet absorbent caseaccording to an embodiment.

FIGS. 4A-4C show top, back side, and front side views of an illustrativecontainment housing of an illustrative ultraviolet absorbent caseaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of an illustrative ultraviolet absorbentcase according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation system for anelectronic device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative system including an ultraviolet radiationsystem for an electronic device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an illustrative configuration ofa plurality of reflective layers for recycling ultraviolet radiation ofan ultraviolet radiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a plurality of reflective layersfor recycling ultraviolet radiation of an ultraviolet radiation systemaccording to an embodiment.

FIGS. 10A-10B show an isometric view and a top view, respectively, of anultraviolet radiation system for a laptop according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of an ultraviolet radiation system for alaptop according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 12A-12C show an isometric view and cross-sectional views of anultraviolet radiation system for a keyboard according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of an illustrative light guiding structurethat can be used in an ultraviolet radiation system for an electronicdevice according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a light guiding structure according to an alternativeembodiment.

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation system for anelectronic device according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 16A-16C show an illustrative ultraviolet radiation system for anelectronic device using at least one suction cup with ultraviolet lightemitting diodes according to an embodiment.

It is noted that the drawings may not be to scale. The drawings areintended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and thereforeshould not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In thedrawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, aspects of the invention provide a solution in whichultraviolet radiation is used to disinfect an electronic device. Anultraviolet radiation source is embedded within an ultraviolet absorbentcase. While the electronic device is within the ultraviolet absorbentcase, ultraviolent radiation is directed at the electronic device. Amonitoring and control system monitors a plurality of attributes for theelectronic device, which can include: a frequency of usage for thedevice, a biological activity at a surface of the device, and adisinfection schedule history for the device. Furthermore, themonitoring and control system can detect whether the device is beingused. Based on the monitoring, the monitoring and control systemcontrols the ultraviolet radiation directed at the electronic device.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “set” means one or more(i.e., at least one) and the phrase “any solution” means any now knownor later developed solution. Furthermore, as used herein, ultravioletradiation/light means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 10 nanometers (nm) to approximately 400 nm,while ultraviolet-C (UV-C) means electromagnetic radiation having awavelength ranging from approximately 100 nm to approximately 280 nm,ultraviolet-B (UV-B) means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 280 to approximately 315 nanometers, andultraviolet-A (UV-A) means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 315 to approximately 400 nanometers. As alsoused herein, a material/structure is considered to be “reflective” toultraviolet light of a particular wavelength when the material/structurehas an ultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least thirty percent forthe ultraviolet light of the particular wavelength. In a more particularembodiment, a highly ultraviolet reflective material/structure has anultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least eighty percent.Furthermore, a material/structure is considered to be “transparent” toultraviolet light of a particular wavelength when the material/structureallows a significant amount of the ultraviolet radiation to pass therethrough.

As used herein, the term “disinfection” and its related terms meanstreating the electronic device so that it includes a sufficiently lownumber of contaminants (e.g., chemical) and microorganisms (e.g., virus,bacteria, and/or the like) so that the electronic device can be handledas part of a desired human interaction with no or no reasonable risk forthe transmission of a disease or other harm to the human. For example,disinfection of the electronic device means that the electronic devicehas a sufficiently low level of active microorganisms and/orconcentration of other contaminants that a typical human can interactwith the electronic device without suffering adverse effects from themicroorganisms and/or contaminants present on the electronic device. Inaddition, disinfection can include sterilization. As used herein, theterm “sterilization” and its related terms means neutralizing an abilityof a microorganism to reproduce, which may be accomplished withoutphysically destroying the microorganism. In this example, a level ofmicroorganisms present on the electronic device cannot increase to adangerous level and will eventually be reduced, since the replicationability has been neutralized. A target level of microorganisms and/orcontaminants can be defined, for example, by a standards settingorganization, such as a governmental organization.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an illustrative portableelectronic device 1 partially within a case 2 according to the priorart. The electronic device 1 can include a mobile phone, a tablet, amusic player, a laptop, a computer keyboard, and/or the like. In thisexample, the electronic device 1 is a mobile phone. The electronicdevice 1 can include any device capable of supporting a computeroperating system, such as 10S, Windows, Unix, Linux, Android, and/or thelike, and include an application that enables a user control interface.The case 2 is used to protect the electronic device 1 and can be easilycarried by a user of the electronic device 1. To this extent, the case 2provides a portable protective covering for the portable electronicdevice 1. In an embodiment, it is desirable for the case 2 to add only asmall amount of weight and bulk to the electronic device 1 so as not toimpede placement of the electronic device 1 in a larger carrying item,such as a pocket, a purse, a messenger bag, a tote bag, or the like. Asmentioned above, unlike the case 2, current approaches at sterilizingelectronic devices, including portable electronic devices such as themobile phone 1, are relatively bulky stationary units that do not allowthe user to carry the electronic device 1 while the electronic device 1is being sterilized.

To this extent, FIGS. 2 and 3 show a cross-sectional view and a topview, respectively, of an illustrative ultraviolet absorbent case 18 forcontaining an electronic device, such as the electronic device 1 (FIG.1), according to an embodiment. The ultraviolet absorbent case 18 isconfigured to provide for the disinfection of an electronic device 1stored therein, while the user is carrying the electronic device 1 withhim/her. To this extent, the ultraviolet absorbent case 18 can beconfigured to add a minimum amount of bulk/weight to the overallstructure, so as to enable the user to continue to store the electronicdevice 1 in his/her preferred location (e.g., pocket, purse, etc.). Theultraviolet absorbent case 18 can be formed of any material capable ofabsorbing ultraviolet radiation to prevent a user from being harmed bythe ultraviolet radiation. For example, the ultraviolet absorbent case18 can be formed of polycarbonate, a transparent thermoplastic (e.g.,Plexiglas), polyethylene, and/or the like. The ultraviolet absorbentcase 18 includes a containment housing 23 that is used to physicallycontain the electronic device 1. In an embodiment, the containmenthousing 23 can be physically attached to the electronic device 1 using asolution similar to that of cases 2 (FIG. 1) of the prior art. Anadditional housing 11 can be permanently or temporarily attached to afront side of the containment housing 23 (e.g., the side opposite ofwhere the electronic device 1 is inserted) using any solution. Theadditional housing 11 includes at least one ultraviolet radiation source14 configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed at theelectronic device 1 contained by (e.g., located within, detachablyattached adjacent to, and/or the like) the containment housing 23. In anembodiment, a plurality of layers 50 can be located between thecontainment housing 23 and the additional housing 11 to recycle theultraviolet radiation generated by the ultraviolet radiation source 14as described herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4C in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, top (withcorresponding end views), back side, and front side perspective views ofthe containment housing 23 according to an embodiment are shown. Thecontainment housing 23 can include a plurality of indentations 21, 25 toprovide space for a power component 17, and for the monitoring and/orcontrolling component 15, respectively. The containment housing 23 alsoincludes at least one opening 4 (e.g., one opening 4 for eachultraviolet radiation source 14) that allows the ultraviolet radiationto penetrate inside of the containment housing 23 to the electronicdevice 1 located therein. The ultraviolet radiation source 14 cancomprise any combination of one or more ultraviolet radiation emitters.For example, the ultraviolet radiation source 14 can include a highintensity ultraviolet lamp (e.g., a high intensity mercury lamp), anultraviolet light emitting diode (LED), super luminescent LEDs, laserdiodes, and/or the like. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiationsource 14 includes a set of light emitting diodes manufactured with oneor more layers of materials selected from the group-III nitride materialsystem (e.g., Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_(1-X-Y)N, where 0≤x, y≤1, and x+y≤1 and/oralloys thereof). In an illustrative embodiment, the ultravioletradiation source 14 can emit ultraviolet radiation in the range ofapproximately 200 nanometers to approximately 300 nanometers.Additionally, the ultraviolet radiation source 14 can comprise one ormore additional components (e.g., a wave guiding structure, a componentfor relocating and/or redirecting ultraviolet radiation emitter(s),etc.) to direct and/or deliver the emitted radiation to a particularlocation/area, in a particular direction, in a particular pattern,and/or the like, at the electronic device 1. Illustrative wave guidingstructures include, but are not limited to, a plurality of ultravioletfibers, each of which terminates at an opening, a diffuser, and/or thelike.

Returning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the additional housing 11 furtherincludes: at least one light emitting diode (LED) 34 for emittingvisible light to indicate that ultraviolet radiation is being generated;a power component 17 (e.g., batteries); and a compartment for amonitoring and/or control component 15 (e.g., LED driver integratedcircuits and/or power management integrated circuits) capable ofdelivering power from the power component 17 to the LED 34 and the atleast one ultraviolet radiation source 14 and for controlling the LED 34and at the least one ultraviolet radiation source 14. The additionalhousing 11 also can include a printed circuit board (PCB) 19 formounting and connecting the power component 17 and the monitoring and/orcontrol component 15. Still further, the additional housing 11 caninclude at least one sensor and/or switch 38 (FIG. 3) that provides datacorresponding to a presence of the electronic device 1 within orattached to the containment housing 23 for use by the monitoring and/orcontrol component 15. Although it is not shown in the figures, theexterior of the ultraviolet absorbent case 18 can include a plurality offins, or the like, for enhanced heat extraction from the electroniccomponents located in the additional housing 11. In an embodiment, deepUV (DUV) LEDs are assembled in multiple parallel strings, each of whichcontains multiple devices. A bias voltage range for operating the DUVLEDs in such a system can be in a range of four to thirty-two Volts. Inan illustrative embodiment, a parallel arrangement of a single DUV LEDwith low dropout linear current drivers in series for each device allowsfor implementation of high redundancy schemes in disinfection systems.

The additional housing 11 can be attached to the containment housing 23using any of various attachment configurations. Turning now to FIG. 5,an isometric view of an ultraviolet absorbent case 118 according to anembodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the additional housing 11 ishingedly connected to the containment housing 23 along one side of thecontainment housing 23 using any type of hinged attachment mechanism. Inone embodiment, the additional housing 11 can be magneticallyattached/closed to the containment housing 23. Furthermore, when anelectronic device 1 is located within or attached to the containmenthousing 23, and the additional housing 11 is closed against the frontsurface of the containment housing 23, a sensor and/or switch 38 locatedin the additional housing 11 can determine the presence of theelectronic device 1, which the monitoring and/or control component 15can use to turn on the ultraviolet radiation source 14 to disinfect theelectronic device 1. However, when the sensor and/or switch 38determines that the additional housing 11 is open, the monitoring and/orcontrol component 15 can turn off the ultraviolet radiation source 14 toavoid harming any users.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustrative ultraviolet radiation system 10according to an embodiment is shown. In this case, the system 10includes a monitoring and/or control system 15 incorporated in theultraviolet absorbent case 18, which is implemented as a computer system20 including an analysis program 30, which makes the computer system 20operable to manage an ultraviolet radiation source 14 by performing aprocess described herein. In particular, the analysis program 30 canenable the computer system 20 to operate the ultraviolet radiationsource 14 to generate and direct ultraviolet radiation toward theelectronic device 1 (FIG. 1) and process data corresponding to one ormore attributes regarding the electronic device 1, which is acquired bya feedback component 16, and/or an ultraviolet radiation history storedas device data 40. While a single ultraviolet radiation source 14 isshown in this figure, it is understood that the ultraviolet absorbentcase 18 can include any number of ultraviolet radiation sources 14, theoperation of which the computer system 20 can separately manage using aprocess described herein. In the case of more than one ultravioletradiation source 14, it is understood that the computer system 20 canindividually control each ultraviolet radiation source 14 and/or controltwo or more of the ultraviolet radiation sources 14 as a group.

In an embodiment, during an initial period of operation (e.g., after anelectronic device 1 is placed within or attached to the containmenthousing 23, and/or the like), the computer system 20 can acquire datafrom the feedback component 16 regarding one or more attributes of theelectronic device 1 and generate device data 40 for further processing.The device data 40 can include a presence of biological activity (e.g.,microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, and/or the like) on a surface of theelectronic device 1, a usage history of the electronic device 1 (e.g.,timestamps for the removal of and relocation of the electronic device 1in the containment housing 23), a frequency of usage of the electronicdevice 1, a disinfection schedule history for the electronic device 1,and/or the like. The computer system 20 can use the device data 40 tocontrol one or more aspects of the ultraviolet radiation generated bythe ultraviolet radiation source(s) 14.

Furthermore, one or more aspects of the operation of the ultravioletradiation source 14 can be controlled by a user 12 via an externalinterface component 26B. The external interface component 26B can belocated on an exterior of the ultraviolet absorbent case 18 and allowthe user 12 to choose when to turn on the ultraviolet radiation source14. However, it is understood that the sensor and/or switch 38 (FIG. 3)must still determine the presence of the electronic device 1 and thatthe additional housing 11 is closed against the electronic device 1 toavoid harming the user 12. The external interface component 26B caninclude a touch screen that shows control dials for adjusting anintensity, scheduling, and other operational properties of the at leastone ultraviolet radiation source 14. In an embodiment, the externalinterface component 26B can include a keyboard, a plurality of buttons,a joystick-like control mechanism, and/or the like, to control the atleast one ultraviolet radiation source 14.

The computer system 20 is shown including a processing component 22(e.g., one or more processors), a storage component 24 (e.g., a storagehierarchy), an input/output (I/O) component 26A (e.g., one or more I/Ointerfaces and/or devices), and a communications pathway 28. In general,the processing component 22 executes program code, such as the analysisprogram 30, which is at least partially fixed in the storage component24. While executing program code, the processing component 22 canprocess data, which can result in reading and/or writing transformeddata from/to the storage component 24 and/or the I/O component 26A forfurther processing. The pathway 28 provides a communications linkbetween each of the components in the computer system 20. The I/Ocomponent 26A and/or the external interface component 26B can compriseone or more human I/O devices, which enable a human user 12 to interactwith the computer system 20 and/or one or more communications devices toenable a system user 12 to communicate with the computer system 20 usingany type of communications link. To this extent, during execution by thecomputer system 20, the analysis program 30 can manage a set ofinterfaces (e.g., graphical user interface(s), application programinterface, and/or the like) that enable human and/or system users 12 tointeract with the analysis program 30. Furthermore, the analysis program30 can manage (e.g., store, retrieve, create, manipulate, organize,present, etc.) the data, such as device data 40, using any solution.

In any event, the computer system 20 can comprise one or more generalpurpose computing articles of manufacture (e.g., computing devices)capable of executing program code, such as the analysis program 30,installed thereon. As used herein, it is understood that “program code”means any collection of instructions, in any language, code or notation,that cause a computing device having an information processingcapability to perform a particular function either directly or after anycombination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, codeor notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c)decompression. To this extent, the analysis program 30 can be embodiedas any combination of system software and/or application software.

Furthermore, the analysis program 30 can be implemented using a set ofmodules 32. In this case, a module 32 can enable the computer system 20to perform a set of tasks used by the analysis program 30, and can beseparately developed and/or implemented apart from other portions of theanalysis program 30. When the computer system 20 comprises multiplecomputing devices, each computing device can have only a portion of theanalysis program 30 fixed thereon (e.g., one or more modules 32).However, it is understood that the computer system 20 and the analysisprogram 30 are only representative of various possible equivalentmonitoring and/or control systems 11 that may perform a processdescribed herein. To this extent, in other embodiments, thefunctionality provided by the computer system 20 and the analysisprogram 30 can be at least partially implemented by one or morecomputing devices that include any combination of general and/orspecific purpose hardware with or without program code. In eachembodiment, the hardware and program code, if included, can be createdusing standard engineering and programming techniques, respectively. Inanother embodiment, the monitoring and/or control system 15 can beimplemented without any computing device, e.g., using a closed loopcircuit implementing a feedback control loop in which the outputs of oneor more sensing devices are used as inputs to control the operation ofone or more other devices (e.g., LEDs). Illustrative aspects of theinvention are further described in conjunction with the computer system20. However, it is understood that the functionality described inconjunction therewith can be implemented by any type of monitoringand/or control system 15.

Regardless, when the computer system 20 includes multiple computingdevices, the computing devices can communicate over any type ofcommunications link. Furthermore, while performing a process describedherein, the computer system 20 can communicate with one or more othercomputer systems, such as the user 12, using any type of communicationslink. In either case, the communications link can comprise anycombination of various types of wired and/or wireless links; compriseany combination of one or more types of networks; and/or utilize anycombination of various types of transmission techniques and protocols.

The system 10 also can include an ultraviolet radiation indicator 34(e.g., an LED), which can be operated by the computer system 20 toindicate when ultraviolet radiation is being generated and directed atthe electronic device 1 within the ultraviolet absorbent case 18. Theultraviolet radiation indicator 34 can include one or more LEDs foremitting a visual light for the user 12.

Turning now to FIG. 7, an illustrative system including an ultravioletradiation system 10 for the electronic device 1 is shown. The computersystem 20 is configured to control the ultraviolet radiation source 14to direct ultraviolet radiation 13 at the electronic device 1. Thefeedback component 16 is configured to acquire data used to monitor aplurality of attributes regarding the electronic device 1 over a periodof time. As illustrated, the feedback component 16 can include aplurality of sensing devices 39, each of which can acquire data used bythe computer system 20 to monitor the set of attributes.

It is understood that the plurality of attributes for the electronicdevice 1 can include: a frequency of the usage of the electronic device1, a presence of biological activity on the electronic device 1, a usageof the electronic device, a disinfection schedule history for theelectronic device 1, and/or the like. In the case of determining usagedetails for the electronic device 1, a sensing device 39 can include asensor and/or a switch 38 (FIG. 3) to sense that an electronic device 1is physically contained within the containment housing 23.Alternatively, the sensor and/or switch 38 can sense that the electronicdevice 1 is not located within the containment housing 23 and assumethat the electronic device 1 is being used.

In the case of determining a presence of biological activity on theelectronic device 1, the sensing devices 39 can also determine alocation of the biological activity, a type of biological activity(e.g., type of organism), a concentration of the biological activity, anestimated amount of time an organism has been in a growth phase (e.g.,exponential growth and/or stationary), and/or the like. Furthermore, thesensing device 39 can determine information on the variation of thebiological activity over time, such as a growth rate, a rate with whichan area including the biological activity is spreading, and/or the like.In an embodiment, a set of biological activity dynamics are related tovarious attributes of bacteria and/or virus activity on the electronicdevice 1, including, for example, the presence of detectable bacteriaand/or virus activity, measured bacteria and/or viruspopulation/concentration time dynamics, growth phase, and/or the like.

In an embodiment, to determine the presence of biological activity onthe electronic device 1, the sensing devices 39 include at least one ofa visual camera or a chemical sensor 36 (FIG. 3). The visual camera canacquire visual data (e.g., visual, electronic, and/or the like) used tomonitor the electronic device 1, while the chemical sensor can acquirechemical data (e.g., chemical, electronic, and/or the like) used tomonitor the electronic device 1. For example, when the computer system20 is operating the ultraviolet radiation source 14, a visual cameraand/or a chemical sensor 36 monitoring the electronic device 1 may beoperated to detect the presence of microorganisms. In a specificembodiment, the visual camera 36 comprises a fluorescent optical camerathat can detect bacteria and/or viruses that become fluorescent underultraviolet radiation. However, it is understood that a visual cameraand a chemical sensor are only illustrative of various types of sensorsthat can be implemented. For example, the sensing devices 39 can includeone or more mechanical sensors (including piezoelectric sensors, variousmembranes, cantilevers, a micro-electromechanical sensor or MEMS, ananomechanical sensor, and/or the like), which can be configured toacquire any of various types of data regarding the electronic device 1.

The computer system 20 can be configured to control and adjust adirection, an intensity, a pattern, and/or a spectral power (e.g.,wavelength) of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source 14, basedon the feedback component 16. The computer system 20 can control andadjust each property of the ultraviolet radiation source 14independently. For example, the computer system 20 can adjust theintensity, time duration, and/or time scheduling (e.g., includingduration (e.g., exposure/illumination time)), duty cycle, time betweenexposures/illuminations, and/or the like) of the ultraviolet radiationsource 14 for a given wavelength. Each of the properties of theultraviolet radiation source 14 can be adjustable and controlled by thecomputer system 20 according to data provided by the feedback component16.

For example, the computer system 20 can be configured to adjust thedirection of the ultraviolet radiation according to a location of thebiological activity detected on the electronic device 1 by the sensingdevice(s) 39 using any solution. The computer system 20 can beconfigured to utilize a target timing, intensity, and/or spectral powerof the ultraviolet radiation according to a type of biological activity.That is, the sensing devices 39 can sense locations of higher levels ofbiological activity on the electronic device 1, and the ultravioletradiation source 14 can be configured by the computer system 20 todirect higher doses (by increasing intensity or exposure) of ultravioletradiation at the locations with higher levels of biological activity(e.g., non-uniform ultraviolet radiation).

The sensing devices 39 can also sense (via sensor and/or switch 38) thatthe electronic device 1 is physically contained within the containmenthousing 23. In response to detection of the electronic device 1 beinglocated within the containment housing 23, the computer system 20 can beconfigured to automatically turn on the ultraviolet radiation. In oneembodiment, the computer system 20 can be configured to set a periodicor an aperiodic schedule for the ultraviolet radiation when theelectronic device 1 is within the containment housing 23. This (periodicor aperiodic) schedule can be interrupted when the sensing device 39senses that the electronic device 1 is removed from the containmenthousing 23 and the computer system 20 can be configured to turn off theultraviolet radiation. In this case, the schedule (periodic oraperiodic) can be resumed once the sensing device 39 senses theelectronic device 1 within the containment housing 23 again.

It is understood that the system 10 may include a power component 17that is implemented separately from the electronic device 1 to supplypower to one or more of the various components of system 10, such asultraviolet radiation sources 14, feedback component 16, computer system20, and/or the like. For example, the electronic device 1 may comprise apower source that is insufficient to operate the various devices ofsystem 10 in addition to maintaining sufficient power to continue one ormore aspects of the operation of the electronic device 1. Regardless,the power component 17 can be utilized to operate system 10. The powercomponent 17 can be embedded in the additional housing 11 (FIG. 2) alongwith the at least one ultraviolet radiation source 14. The powercomponent 17 can comprise any source of power including, but not limitedto, a battery set, a solar cell, and/or the like. For example, the powercomponent 17 can include any of various types of rechargeable batteries(e.g., lithium ion, nickel-cadmium, and/or the like). The powercomponent 17 can be configured for operation of high efficiency directcurrent (DC) step-up/boost converters. In an embodiment, the powercomponent (e.g., conversion efficiency and maximum battery life) isconfigured (e.g., optimized) to keep a difference between the electricalpower available versus the electrical power required for the variouscomponents at the minimum. In an embodiment, the power componentcomprises a battery set that is capable of being recharged through atypical household outlet. A charging system for this embodiment cancomprise an electrical cord for charging that can include, for example,a cord with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection.

In an embodiment, the computer system 20 can implement multiple modes ofoperation depending on the source of power and/or an amount of powerremaining. In particular, when a power component 17 of limited capacityis being utilized, one or more functions of system 10 can be disabledand/or reduced to lengthen an operating time for system 10. In anotherembodiment, a data-electrical link can be made between the electronicdevice 1 and the ultraviolet absorbent case 18 (FIG. 6) for data and/orpower exchange between the electronic device 1 and the computer system20. For example, the electronic device 1 and the ultraviolet absorbentcase 18 can be charged simultaneously via this data-electrical link.Additionally, the computer system 20 can provide data (via wirelessand/or wired means) regarding the disinfection of the electronic device1 to the electronic device 1, which can be presented to the user 12(e.g., via an app installed on the electronic device 1). In anotherembodiment, the power component 17 can comprise an electrical cord forcharging the ultraviolet absorbent case 18 via a household outlet.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of an illustrativeconfiguration of the plurality of layers 50 (FIG. 2) located between theadditional housing 11 and the containment housing 23 (FIG. 2) is shown.It is assumed that the electronic device 1 is contained within thecontainment housing 23. Other features of the additional housing 11 areomitted in this figure for clarity. The plurality of layers 50 areconfigured to recycle the ultraviolet radiation 13 generated by eachultraviolet radiation source 14 and uniformly distribute the radiationacross the electronic device 1. The plurality of layers 50 can include awave-guiding reflective layer 52 to further transmit the ultravioletradiation 13. The wave-guiding reflective layer 52 can include amaterial having a low refractive index, such as aluminum (highlypolished), and/or the like for total internal reflection. A firstpartially transmitting, partially reflective layer 54 and a secondpartially transmitting, partially reflective layer 58 are located belowthe wave-guiding reflective layer 52. These layers 54, 58 can includematerials such as fused silica, sapphire, and any other ultraviolettransparent material.

A partial reflectivity of layers 54, 58 can be between 5 to 100% and atleast some of the ultraviolet radiation can experience reflectivityhigher than 80% (e.g., at least 5% of all the ultraviolet radiation).The partial transmitting feature of layers 54, 58 can be for at least50% of the ultraviolet radiation. The interface between the firstpartially transmitting, partially reflective layer 54 and the secondpartially transmitting, partially reflective layer 58 can split a beamof the ultraviolet radiation 13 by allowing a portion to pass to layer58 and reflecting a portion back into layer 54. This can be due to afrustrated total internal reflection of the ultraviolet radiation 13.For frustrated total internal reflection, the ultraviolet radiationsource 14 is oriented at an angle to the interface that is greater than10 degrees. The interface of layer 54 and layer 58 can include a layer56, which comprises a thin layer of material including a low index ofrefraction, so that the ultraviolet radiation 13 is partiallytransmitted through to layer 58 and partially reflected back into layer54. In another embodiment, a partially (e.g., half) silvered interfacecan be located between layer 54 and layer 58 to partially transmit andpartially reflect the ultraviolet radiation 13. The layer 58 includes adiffusing interface 60 to facilitate scattering of the ultravioletradiation 13 as it exits the plurality of layers 50.

Turning now to FIG. 9, an antibacterial layer 62 can be located belowthe diffusing interface 60. The antibacterial layer 62 can be activatedby visible or infrared radiation. The antibacterial layer 62 can includematerials that are activated by particular wavelengths, such asindocyanine green (808 nm), and/or the like. The antibacterial layer 62can also include a TiO₂-anatase photocatalyst, which can be activated byeither visible light or ultraviolet radiation. In this case, theantibacterial layer 62 comprises a wide band-gap (e.g., 3.0-3.2 eV)semiconductor that generates energy-rich electron-hole pairs, whichresults in the formation of hydroxide and other oxidizing radicals,which are able to degrade cell components of microorganisms underultraviolet radiation. In one embodiment, the antibacterial layer 62 cancontact the electronic device 1 to enhance an overall efficiency of thedisinfection system. However, it is not required that the antibacteriallayer 62 contact the electronic device 1.

Turning now to FIGS. 10A-10B, an isometric view and a top view,respectively, of an ultraviolet radiation system for a laptop 100according to an embodiment is shown. The ultraviolet absorbent case 218for the laptop 100 includes a pocket 70 for inserting the lid portion ofthe laptop 100 including the screen. Turning to FIG. 11, the pocketincludes one or more locations into which ultraviolet radiationsource(s) 14 are embedded. The pocket 70 can include an opening for thescreen of the laptop 100, so that the screen is not obscured when thelid of the laptop 100 is inserted into the pocket 70. A middle pad 76can be provided for separately disinfecting the laptop keyboard. Themiddle pad 76 can be sufficiently thin enough to allow the lid of thelaptop 100 to be closed while the middle pad 76 is present. The middlepad 76 can comprise, for example, a surface comprising leaky opticalfibers that are capable of delivering ultraviolet radiation to the lidand/or keyboard surfaces of the laptop 100. In this embodiment, theultraviolet radiation sources, and control mechanisms can be outside themiddle pad 76 area and connected to the middle pad 76 via opticalfibers.

Returning to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the ultraviolet absorbent case 218 canalso include a plurality of flexible ultraviolet absorbing side flaps72A, 72B, 72C and a bottom pocket 74 for the laptop assembly andkeyboard. The side flaps 72A, 72B, 72C can connect to the backside ofthe pocket 70 by any attachment means, such as Velcro and/or the like toprevent ultraviolet radiation from escaping. A switch (not shown) can beactivated when the side flaps 72A, 72B, 72C are opened to turn off theultraviolet radiation and/or prevent the ultraviolet radiation frombeing turned on.

Turning now to FIGS. 12A-12C, various views of an ultraviolet absorbentcase 318 for disinfecting a keyboard 200 are shown. The case 318 caninclude a profile that matches (e.g., is the inverse of) the profile ofthe keyboard, as seen in FIG. 12B. An ultraviolet radiation source, suchas a LED 14A, can be used to disinfect keyboard keys, while opticalfibers 14B can be used to disinfect the vacancies between keyboard keys.In another embodiment, a brush of optical fibers 14C can be used todisinfect the keyboard 200.

For each embodiment of the ultraviolet absorbent case, the case can beconfigured to provide at least a target amount of mechanical protectionfor the electronic device 1. For example, the target amount ofmechanical protection can provide at least one meter drop protection forthe electronic device 1, which can be measured by a drop test. The droptest can include dropping the electronic device within the ultravioletabsorbent case from a height of approximately one meter. This drop testcan be performed multiple times, while capturing images of the landingeach time. The electronic device 1 and ultraviolet system can be testedafter each drop to ensure the performance capabilities remain unchanged.In an embodiment, the case can include a material that absorbs theimpact from the drop. For instance, the case can be made of rubber orplastic. Additionally, the material can rubberized polycarbonate,polycarbonate, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composite,polyurethane composites, and/or the like.

For each embodiment of the ultraviolet absorbent case, the case can beconfigured to provide at least a target amount of waterproof protectionfor the electronic device 1. For example, the waterproof protection canprovide at least a timed submersion protection for the electronic device1, which can be measured by a water test. The water test can includesubmerging the electronic device 1 located within the ultravioletabsorbent case into water for a duration of 10 seconds after which theperformance capabilities of the electronic device 1 and ultravioletsystem can be evaluated. This water test can be performed multiple timesbetween each evaluation, or performed once before each evaluation. Thewaterproof protection can be implemented using any solution. Forexample, the case can include a water tight seal between the electronicdevice 1 and the ultraviolet absorbent case 18. The seal can provideboth ultraviolet radiation protection for the user and water protectionfor the electronic device 1. In an embodiment, the seal can include agasket that seals a space between the electronic device 1 and the case18 to prevent moisture and/or water from reaching the electronic device1. For example, the water protective material can comprise rubber,fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE,such as Teflon), ultraviolet resistant polycarbonate, an ultravioletresistant transparent thermoplastic, and/or the like.

While shown and described herein as a method and system for disinfectingan electronic device, it is understood that aspects of the inventionfurther provide various alternative embodiments. For example, in oneembodiment, the invention provides a computer program fixed in at leastone computer-readable medium, which when executed, enables a computersystem to disinfect the electronic device using a process describedherein. To this extent, the computer-readable medium includes programcode, such as the analysis program 30 (FIG. 1), which enables a computersystem to implement some or all of a process described herein. It isunderstood that the term “computer-readable medium” comprises one ormore of any type of tangible medium of expression, now known or laterdeveloped, from which a copy of the program code can be perceived,reproduced, or otherwise communicated by a computing device. Forexample, the computer-readable medium can comprise: one or more portablestorage articles of manufacture; one or more memory/storage componentsof a computing device; paper; and/or the like.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of an illustrative light guiding structure78 that can be used in an ultraviolet radiation system for an electronicdevice 1 according to an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 13 shows thatthe light guiding structure 78 can take the form of a multi-layerstructure with multiple layers 80A-80G used to deliver ultravioletradiation to the surface of various parts (e.g., 3A and 3B) of theelectronic device 1. Layers 80A, 80C, 80E, and 80G can be formed of anysuitable type of transparent material. For example, when the radiationis ultraviolet radiation, the material can be an ultraviolet transparentfluoropolymer-based film material. As used herein, a material that isultraviolet transparent means the material transmits at least thirtypercent of the radiation emitted normal to a surface of the material.Illustrative fluoropolymers capable of being utilized to form the lightguiding structure 78 include: fluorinated ethylene-propylene (EFEP),fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene vinylidene fluoride (THV),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene(ECTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethene (PCTFE), a copolymer oftetrafluoroethylene and perfluoromethylvinylether (MFA), low densitypolyethylene (LDPE), perfluoroether (PFA), an amorphous fluoroplasticresin (e.g., Teflon AF 2400), and/or the like. While primarily describedin conjunction with fluoropolymers, it is understood that othercomparable materials can be utilized. Illustrative materials includepolylactide (PLA), fused silica, sapphire, THE, and/or the like.

Each layer 80A, 80C, 80E, and 80G can have a thickness, which issufficiently thin to provide a desired level of transparency. Forexample, a layer 80A, 80C, 80E, and 80G can be formed of TEFLON AF 2400and have a thickness of several micrometers (e.g., ten micrometers orless) or even several tens of micrometers (e.g., forty micrometers orless). In one embodiment, the thickness and optical absorption of afluoropolymer film used for layers 80A, 80C, 80E, and 80G can beselected to allow at least 20% transmission to the ultraviolet radiationnormal to the film surface. An illustrative solution for fabricatingsuch fluoropolymer layers is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.7,914,852, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Another solutionfor fabricating a light guiding structure described herein is shown anddescribed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,126. In anembodiment, the fluoropolymer is applied onto a thin layer of fusedsilica. In an embodiment, selection of the thicknesses and/or refractiveindexes of the materials is performed using a genetic algorithm. In thiscase, multiple possible combinations of values are evaluated with asubset of the best performing values used, along with some randomness,to create a new group of values to be evaluated. Such a process can berepeated any number of times to arrive at a set of values.

Regardless, the light guiding structure 78 includes layers 80B, 80D, and80F, which are filled with a transparent fluid. In an embodiment, layers80B and 80F are filled with a transparent gas while the layer 80D isfilled with a transparent liquid. In an embodiment, the gas in thelayers 80B and 80F can have a low refractive index (e.g., at most ninetypercent of the refractive index of the material forming the adjacentlayers 80A, 80C, 80E, and 80G), such as ambient air.

In an embodiment, the liquid in the layer 80D is substantiallytransparent to ultraviolet radiation and serves as light guiding layerin the structure 78. In this manner, the light guiding structure 78 canutilize total internal reflection to propagate the light there through.In this case, the fluid in the layer 80D has a transparency at leastsimilar (e.g., within ten percent) to the transparency of purified waterfor light wavelengths in the range of 240 nanometers to 360 nanometers.In an embodiment, the fluid in the layer 80D is purified water asdefined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

For a layer 80B and 80F including a gas, the light guiding structure 78can further include a corresponding set of pillars 82A, 82B. The pillars82B, 82F also can be formed of a fluoropolymer-based material describedherein. The pillars 82B, 82F can be configured to maintain a shape ofthe corresponding low refractive index guiding layer 80B, 80F,respectively. To this extent, the pillars 82A, 82B can be located in anypattern/random arrangement and can have any combination of one or moresizes and/or shapes, which is suitable for providing a desired amount ofsupport. While not shown, it is understood that any fluid-filled layer,such as the layer 80D, can include a set of pillars. In an embodiment,the pillars 82A, 82B comprise diffusive elements. In this case, asillustrated, the diffusive elements start at one layer, such as thelayer 80A, extend through a layer 80B, and end at another layer 80C.When both sets of pillars 82A, 82B are included, the pillars 82A can bestaggered in relation to the pillars 82B.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, an ultraviolet radiation source 14 (e.g., anultraviolet radiation emitter) can be coupled to the light guidingstructure 78 at a location adjacent to a side 86 of the light guidingstructure 78. A coupling mechanism 88 can be used to attach theultraviolet radiation source 14 to the light guiding structure 78. Inthis manner, the coupling mechanism 88 can be configured to hold theultraviolet radiation source 14 in a position such that light enters thelight guiding structure 78 at an angle optimal for wave guiding, e.g.,at an angle larger than the total internal reflection angle for thelight guiding structure 78. In an embodiment, at least thirty percent ofthe light generated by the ultraviolet radiation source 14 is guidedalong the layer 80D. In an embodiment, the coupling mechanism 88 is adomain formed of a fluoropolymer-based material described herein, inwhich the ultraviolet radiation source 14 is embedded. While only asingle ultraviolet radiation source 14 is shown, it is understood thatany number of ultraviolet radiation source 14 can be coupled to thelight guiding structure 78 in any of various possible combinations oflocations.

One or more layers 80A-80G of the light guiding structure 78 can includea set of protrusions or diffusive elements 84A, 84B associatedtherewith, which are configured to allow light to propagate through anemission surface 90 out of the light guiding structure 78 in a diffusivemanner towards the surfaces of parts 3A and 3B of the electronic device1. For example, the layer 80A is shown including a set of diffusiveelements 84A, and the layer 80C is shown including a set of diffusiveelements 84B. As illustrated, the diffusive elements 84A can be locatedon an outer surface of the layer 80A forming the emission surface 90.Embodiments of diffusive elements 84A, 84B described herein can have anyof various shapes including: truncated cone, lens, sphere, pyramid,inverted truncated cone, inverted pyramid, and/or the like. Furthermore,it is understood that a set of diffusive elements 84A, 84B can include acombination of diffusive elements of two or more different shapes. Thediffusive elements 18A, 18C can be formed using any solution, such assurface patterning or roughening, welding/fusing the diffusive elements18A, 18C to the corresponding layer 22A, 22C, and/or the like.

In an embodiment, each diffusive element 84A, 84B is capable ofdiffusive transmission/reflection of the radiation approximating aLambertian distribution. In particular, an angular distribution ofintensity of radiation 20 transmitted/reflected from the diffusiveelement 18A, 18C can be normalized by total emitted power and comparedto the Lambertian distribution. As used herein, the distributionapproximates a Lambertian distribution when the deviation from theLambertian distribution at each emitted angle is less than fortypercent. The distribution substantially approximates a Lambertiandistribution when the deviation is less than ten percent from aLambertian distribution at each emitted angle. Furthermore, a distancebetween two adjacent diffusive elements 84A, 84B located on a surfacecan be selected to be smaller than an effective area of a surfaceilluminated by the diffusive radiation transmitted/reflected by thediffusive element 84A, 84B. To this extent, the spacing can bedetermined based on the distribution of the radiation from a diffusiveelement 84A, 84B as well as a target distance between the diffusiveelement 84A, 84B and a surface of an object being illuminated.Furthermore, when implemented as part of a disinfection system asdescribed, spacing between adjacent diffusive elements 84A, 84B can bedetermined based on an expected spatial density of contamination on asurface to be disinfected. In this case, the distance can be inverselyproportional to the expected spatial density of contamination.

Additionally, one or more of the layers 80A, 80C, 80E, and 80G can beformed of and/or coated with a reflective material. When utilized, areflective coating can be located over an entirety of the layer 80A,80C, 80E, and 80G or only a portion of the layer 80A, 80C, 80E, and 80G.Furthermore, the reflective coating can be located on either theoutermost or innermost surface of the layer 80A, 80C, 80E, and 80G.

U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/050,331, filed on 15 Sep. 2014,titled “UV Diffusive Lighting with a Waveguide provide more details of alight guiding structure and is hereby incorporated by reference.

It is understood that the surfaces of parts 3A and 3B of the electronicdevice 1 that receive the light from the light guiding structure 78 mayhave been determined beforehand, by for example, the ultravioletradiation system, to be in need of disinfection, sterilization and/orlike. However, light emitted from the ultraviolet radiation source 14can be directed to other parts of the electronic device by the lightguiding structure 78. Furthermore, it is understood that the ultravioletradiation source 14 and the light guiding structure 78 can direct lightin any pattern and direction to facilitate disinfection of any part ofthe electronic device 1 that is need of such an operation.

FIG. 14 shows a light guiding structure 92 according to an embodiment inuse with an ultraviolet radiation system. In one embodiment, the lightguiding structure 92 can include a light guiding layer 94 and a set ofultraviolet radiation sources 14 configured in a predetermined angularorientation with respect to the electronic device 1 in order to emitlight 96 at a predetermined angular distribution to an underlyingsurface 98 of the device 1 that is in need of a treatment such asdisinfection, sterilization, sanitization, and the like. In oneembodiment, the light guiding layer 94 can include any one of theaforementioned partially ultraviolet transparent fluoropolymer filmshaving a thickness and optical absorption that allows at least 20%transmission to the ultraviolet radiation normal to the film surface. Inone embodiment, the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 14 can includea set of ultraviolet light emitting diodes. It is understood that thepredetermined angular orientation of the set of ultraviolet radiationsources 14 and the predetermined angular distribution of the lightemitted from the sources 14 is variable and will depend on factors suchas, for example, the shape and size of the electronic device 1 and theparticular size and location of the surface areas of the parts of thedevice that need disinfection, sterilization, sanitization, and thelike.

Configuring the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 14 (e.g.,ultraviolet light emitting diodes) at an predetermined angularorientation to emit the light 96 to the underlying surface 98 of theelectronic device 1 at a predetermined angular orientation via the lightguiding layer 94 can be configured to result in a total internalreflection of the light 96. For example, FIG. 14 shows that the light 96experiences a total internal reflection of light rays 100 from the lightguiding layer 94 and the surface 98 of the electronic device 1. Thetotal internal reflection of light rays 100 shown in FIG. 14 furtherincludes a reflection of light rays from a surface 102 of the lightguiding layer 94 that forms an interface between the light guiding layer94 and a low refractive index material 104 such as for example, air,that separates the light guiding structure 92 from an ultravioletabsorbent case or enclosure 18 that can enclose the light guidingstructure 92 and the electronic device 1 to prevent the escape ofultraviolet radiation. An internal surface 106 of the ultravioletabsorbent enclosure 18 can be coated with ultraviolet reflective filmsincluding, but not limited to, aluminum, polished aluminum, a reflectivepolymer (e.g., Teflon), a highly ultraviolet reflective expandedpolytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane (e.g., GORE® Diffuse ReflectorMaterial), and/or the like, to further improve recycling of theultraviolet radiation in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 14. Inthis configuration of the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 14 andthe light guiding layer 94 as illustrated in FIG. 14, it is possible toattain a total internal reflection at the boundary of the light guidinglayer 94 as defined by the surfaces 98 and 102, for at least 50% of theradiation emitted from the set ultraviolet radiation sources 14.

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation system 106 for anelectronic device 1 according to another embodiment. In particular, theultraviolet radiation system 106 uses a combination of variousultraviolet radiation sources in conjunction with at least one sensingdevice 39 within a light guiding structure 108, such as for example, apartially ultraviolet transparent fluoropolymer, to distributeultraviolet radiation intensity over a surface of a part or parts of anelectronic device in the need of disinfection, sterilization,sanitization and/or the like. In FIG. 15, a set of ultraviolet radiationsources 14A, such as, for example, ultraviolet violet light emittingdiodes, can be used to radiate a surface of a first part 3A of theelectronic device 1 and a single ultraviolet radiation source 14B suchas, for example, a single ultraviolet light emitting diode can be usedto radiate a surface of a second part 3B of the electronic device 1. Inone embodiment, the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 14A can be usedin a scenario where the surface for the first part 3A of the electronicdevice 1 is deemed to be highly contaminated, while the singleultraviolet radiation source 14B can be used in a scenario where thesurface for the second part 3B of the electronic device 1 is deemed tohave a medium contamination.

The sensing device 39 can operate in conjunction with the ultravioletradiation sources 14A and 14B to determine when a surface of aparticular part of the electronic device 1 needs a treatment such as adisinfection, sterilization and or sanitization and/or if alreadyreceiving such a treatment, the sensing device can be used to adjust theamount of radiation that is emitted by the sources and directed to thepart(s) of the electronic device 1. In one embodiment, the sensingdevice 39 can include a sensor that can evaluate or monitor thereflectivity of the surface of parts 3A and 3B, provided that thesurface can reflect light. For example, the reflectivity can beevaluated with an ultraviolet photodiode. The use of a sensor toevaluate or monitor the reflectivity of the surface of parts 3A and 3Ballows the computer system 20 (FIGS. 6 and 7) to control the ultravioletradiation sources 14A and 14B to increase the amount of radiation,decrease the amount of radiation or stop the radiation based on dataprovided by the sensor. In an embodiment, a sensor, such as anultraviolet photodiode, can be configured to monitor transmissivity ofthe surface of parts 3A and 3B. In this case, the sensor can beinstalled within the electronic device, behind the surface of the part3A and 3B.

A touch screen device that can transmit light is one type of electronicdevice 1 that is suitable for use with the ultraviolet radiation system106. In such a scenario, the sensing device 39 can determine the leasttransparent regions of the touch screen device and provide data to thecomputer system 20 (FIGS. 6 and 7) that can manage the ultravioletradiation sources 14A and/or 14B to direct ultraviolet radiation tothese particular regions of the touch screen. During the irradiation ofthe particular regions of the touch screen, the sensing device canmonitor the reflectivity of the surface or transmissivity of the surfaceof the region and provide data of the monitoring to the computer system20 (FIGS. 6 and 7) which determines whether the ultraviolet radiationsources 14A and/or 14B should continue irradiating the region, increasethe amount of radiation, decrease the amount of radiation or stop theemission of the radiation from the sources.

In another embodiment, the sensing device 39 can include a touch sensorthat collects the location and amount of times that a particular regionin the touch screen is touched. In an embodiment, the touch sensor canprovide this data to the computer system 20 (FIGS. 6 and 7) which canderive touch statistics based on the amount of times that a particularregion of the touch screen is touched. The computer system 20 can thenuse the touch statistics to determine whether the part of the touchscreen needs a treatment such as disinfection, sterilization and/orsanitization. If so, the computer system 20 can then direct theultraviolet radiation sources 14A and/or 14B to emit radiation to aparticular region of the touch screen. In another embodiment, thecomputer system 20 can use the derived touch statistics to set aschedule for treating the touch screen. For example, if the touchstatistics indicate that there is a high amount of usage at a particularlocation of the touch screen based on the frequency that the locationhas been touched, then the computer system 20 can direct the ultravioletradiation sources 14A and/or 14B to increase the intensity of theultraviolet radiation applied to that area. Similarly, the touchstatistics can be used to reduce the intensity of radiation applied to aparticular location of the touch screen during a periodic, scheduledtreatment set for the touch screen due to the lack of touching at thatlocation.

In another embodiment, the sensing device 39 can include a reflectionsensor that detects reflections from a surface of any regions (e.g., 3Aand 3B) of the touch screen. The reflection sensor can provide this datato the computer system 20 (FIGS. 6 and 7) which can derive reflectioncharacteristics from the surfaces. The computer system 20 can use thesereflection characteristics to correlate with a surface contaminationpresent at any of the various surface parts of the touch screen. Thecomputer system 20 can then use the correlation of reflectioncharacteristics to determine whether the part of the touch screen needsa treatment such as disinfection, sterilization and/or sanitization. Ifso, the computer system 20 can then direct the ultraviolet radiationsources 14A and/or 14B to emit radiation to a particular region of thetouch screen.

The computer system 20 can also use the correlation of reflectioncharacteristics to set a schedule for treating the touch screen. Forexample, if the correlation of reflection characteristics indicate thatthere is a high amount of usage at a particular location of the touchscreen, then the computer system 20 can direct the ultraviolet radiationsources 14A and/or 14B to increase the intensity of the ultravioletradiation applied to that area. Similarly, the correlation of reflectioncharacteristics can be used to reduce the intensity of radiation appliedto a particular location of the touch screen during a periodic,scheduled treatment set for the touch screen due to the lack of touchingat that location.

In another embodiment, the sensing device 39 can include a light sensorthat detects light emitted from a surface of any regions (e.g., 3A and3B) of the touch screen. The light sensor can provide this data to thecomputer system 20 (FIGS. 6 and 7) which can derive light emissioncharacteristics from the surfaces. The computer system 20 can use theselight emission characteristics to correlate with a surface contaminationthat is present on any of the various surface parts of the touch screen.The computer system 20 can then use the light emission characteristicsto determine whether a part of the touch screen needs a treatment suchas disinfection, sterilization and/or sanitization. If so, the computersystem 20 can then direct the ultraviolet radiation sources 14A and/or14B to emit radiation to a particular region of the touch screen.

The computer system 20 can also use the light emission characteristicsto set a schedule for treating the touch screen. For example, if thelight emission characteristics indicate that there is a high amount ofcontamination present on the touch screen, then the computer system 20can direct the ultraviolet radiation sources 14A and/or 14B to increasethe intensity of the ultraviolet radiation applied to that area.Similarly, the light emission characteristics can be used to reduce theintensity of radiation applied to a particular location of the touchscreen during a periodic, scheduled treatment set for the touch screendue to the lack of contamination at that location.

FIGS. 16A-16C show an illustrative ultraviolet radiation system 110 foran electronic device 1 using at least one suction cup 112 withultraviolet light emitting diodes 114 according to an embodiment. Asshown in FIG. 16A, the ultraviolet radiation system 110 illustrates thesuction cups 112 with ultraviolet light emitting diodes 114 attached toan ultraviolet absorbent enclosure 18. The ultraviolet absorbentenclosure 18 can also have an ultraviolet light emitting diode 114integrated within the body of the enclosure. FIG. 16B shows aperspective view of a suction cup 112, while FIG. 16C shows across-sectional view of a suction cup 112 with a light emitting diode114. In operation, the suction cups 112 are configured to adhere to theelectronic device 1 upon having a sufficient amount of pressure appliedfrom the ultraviolent absorbent enclosure 18 onto electronic device 1.This causes a negative fluid pressure of air to develop between theelectronic device 1 and the suction cups 112. This creates a partialvacuum that allows the suction cups 112 to adhere to the electronicdevice 1. The ultraviolet radiation system 110 can use the ultravioletlight emitting diode 114 to treat specific regions of the electronicdevice 1 that are in need of a treatment such as disinfection,sterilization, and/or sanitization. FIG. 16C illustrates how light 116emitted from an ultraviolet light emitting diode 114 can be directedthrough a body 118 of the suction cup 112. The ultraviolet radiationsystem 110 can also use the ultraviolet light emitting diode 114integrated in the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure 18 to treat othersurface regions or parts of the electronic device. In this manner, allof the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 114 can be used to generate asufficient amount of light to a part of the electronic device dependingupon the contamination that is present.

In an embodiment, the suction cups 112 can comprise an elastic polymeror rubber that is fitted with an ultraviolet radiation source such as anultraviolet light emitting diode located within. The internal surfacesof the suction cups 112 can comprise ultraviolet reflective surfaces forimproved recycling of ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet lightemitting diodes 114. It is understood that the entire area of theelectronic device 1 can be contacted by one suction cup 112, or thatseveral smaller suction cups 112 can be used to attach the ultravioletabsorbent enclosure 18 to the surface of the device requiringdisinfection, sterilization, sanitization and/or the like. Note that notall suction cups 112 on the UV absorbent enclosure 18 configured toattach to the surface of the device need to have an ultraviolet lightemitting diode. For example, a suction cup can include a wave guidingstructure, which delivers ultraviolet light from another location.Furthermore, it is understood that the use of the suction cups 112 inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16A may be useful for electronicdevices containing smooth surfaces to which the suction cups can beattached.

The ultraviolet radiation system 110 illustrated is not meant to belimited to the use of suction cups. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that other fastening means that can adhere to an electronicdevice can be used to implement an ultraviolet radiation system that cantreat a part or parts of an electronic device with a disinfectionoperation, a sterilization operation, a sanitization operation and/orthe like. For example, magnets or a static electricity based enclosurecan be used to interface ultraviolet radiation sources with anelectronic device.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of providing acopy of program code, such as the analysis program 30 (FIG. 6), whichenables a computer system to implement some or all of a processdescribed herein. In this case, a computer system can process a copy ofthe program code to generate and transmit, for reception at a second,distinct location, a set of data signals that has one or more of itscharacteristics set and/or changed in such a manner as to encode a copyof the program code in the set of data signals. Similarly, an embodimentof the invention provides a method of acquiring a copy of the programcode, which includes a computer system receiving the set of data signalsdescribed herein, and translating the set of data signals into a copy ofthe computer program fixed in at least one computer-readable medium. Ineither case, the set of data signals can be transmitted/received usingany type of communications link.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a method ofgenerating a system for disinfecting an electronic device. In this case,the generating can include configuring a computer system, such as thecomputer system 20 (FIG. 6), to implement a method of disinfecting theelectronic device as described herein. The configuring can includeobtaining (e.g., creating, maintaining, purchasing, modifying, using,making available, etc.) one or more hardware components, with or withoutone or more software modules, and setting up the components and/ormodules to implement a process described herein. To this extent, theconfiguring can include deploying one or more components to the computersystem, which can comprise one or more of: (1) installing program codeon a computing device; (2) adding one or more computing and/or I/Odevices to the computer system; (3) incorporating and/or modifying thecomputer system to enable it to perform a process described herein;and/or the like.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to anindividual in the art are included within the scope of the invention asdefined by the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: an ultraviolet absorbent enclosure; at least one ultraviolet radiation source embedded within the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure, the at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation within the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure; a set of partially reflective, partially transmitting layers located adjacent to the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure, wherein the set of partially transmitting layers are configured to distribute the ultraviolet radiation over an object; and a monitoring and control system for managing the ultraviolet radiation by performing a method comprising: monitoring a plurality of attributes for the object; and controlling, based on the monitoring, the ultraviolet radiation directed at the object.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of partially reflective, partially transmitting layers physically separate the at least one ultraviolet radiation source and the object.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor configured to determine a presence of the object.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of partially reflective, partially transmitting layers is configured to deliver ultraviolet radiation towards the object in order to provide a sufficient dose of ultraviolet radiation over a residency time of the object within the enclosure.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of attributes includes a presence of biological activity at a surface area of the object, and wherein the controlling comprises directing a higher dose of ultraviolet radiation to the surface area of the object including the presence of biological activity, wherein the higher dose includes at least one of: an increased intensity level or an increased exposure time.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlling comprises at least one of: turning on the at least one ultraviolet radiation source; turning off the at least one ultraviolet radiation source; and determining a time scheduling for the at least one ultraviolet radiation source.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure includes a switch to turn off the ultraviolet radiation when the object is not located within the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure.
 8. An apparatus, comprising: an object; an ultraviolet absorbent enclosure for containing the object; at least one ultraviolet radiation source embedded within the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure, the at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation within the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure; and a set of partially reflective, partially transmitting layers located adjacent to the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure, wherein the set of partially transmitting layers are configured to distribute the ultraviolet radiation over an object; and a monitoring and control system for managing the ultraviolet radiation by performing a method comprising: monitoring a plurality of attributes for the object; and controlling, based on the monitoring, the ultraviolet radiation directed at the object.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the set of partially reflective, partially transmitting layers physically separate the at least one ultraviolet radiation source and the object.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising at least one sensor configured to determine a presence of the object.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the set of partially reflective, partially transmitting layers is configured to deliver ultraviolet radiation towards the object in order to provide a sufficient dose of ultraviolet radiation over a residency time of the object within the enclosure.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of attributes includes a presence of biological activity at a surface area of the object, and wherein the controlling comprises directing a higher dose of ultraviolet radiation to the surface area of the object including the presence of biological activity, wherein the higher dose includes at least one of: an increased intensity level or an increased exposure time.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controlling comprises at least one of: turning on the at least one ultraviolet radiation source; turning off the at least one ultraviolet radiation source; and determining a time scheduling for the at least one ultraviolet radiation source.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure includes a switch to turn off the ultraviolet radiation when the object is not located within the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure.
 15. An apparatus, comprising: an object; an ultraviolet absorbent enclosure for containing the object; at least one ultraviolet radiation source embedded within the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure, the at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation within the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure; a set of partially reflective, partially transmitting layers located adjacent to the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure, wherein the set of partially transmitting layers are configured to distribute the ultraviolet radiation over an object; a switch on the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure to turn off the ultraviolet radiation when the object is not located within the ultraviolet absorbent enclosure; and a monitoring and control system for managing the ultraviolet radiation by performing a method comprising: monitoring a plurality of attributes for the object; and controlling, based on the monitoring, the ultraviolet radiation directed at the object.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the set of partially reflective, partially transmitting layers physically separate the at least one ultraviolet radiation source and the object.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising at least one sensor configured to determine a presence of the object.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the set of partially reflective, partially transmitting layers is configured to deliver ultraviolet radiation towards the object in order to provide a sufficient dose of ultraviolet radiation over a residency time of the object within the enclosure.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the plurality of attributes includes a presence of biological activity at a surface area of the object, and wherein the controlling comprises directing a higher dose of ultraviolet radiation to the surface area of the object including the presence of biological activity, wherein the higher dose includes at least one of: an increased intensity level; or an increased exposure time.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the controlling comprises at least one of: turning on the at least one ultraviolet radiation source; turning off the at least one ultraviolet radiation source; and determining a time scheduling for the at least one ultraviolet radiation source. 